Real answers to the questions Raleigh homeowners ask us most. From permit rules to pricing to HOA approval. No fluff, no filler. Just straight answers.
A wood privacy fence in Raleigh typically lasts 20 to 25 years for cedar and 15 to 20 years for pressure-treated pine. The biggest factors are how well the posts are set, whether the wood is sealed regularly, and which material you choose. We set every post in concrete and treat all cut ends before installation to maximize lifespan in NC’s humid climate.
Most privacy fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit in unincorporated Wake County. Fences over 6 feet typically do. In city limits like Raleigh, Cary, and Apex the rules are different. We research your specific address and handle all permit applications at no extra charge on every job.
Standard residential privacy fences run 6 feet tall. Some rear yard and commercial applications allow 8 feet. Front yard fences are typically capped at 4 feet. HOA covenants and city ordinances vary by community. We verify your specific restrictions before finalizing your quote.
Yes, if you live in an HOA community you will need architectural approval before we start. We are familiar with most Triangle area HOA requirements and can help you prepare your submittal including style samples and material specs. Most HOA approvals take 2 to 4 weeks, which we factor into your project schedule.
Cedar is the premium pick. It is naturally rot-resistant, dimensionally stable in heat and humidity, and accepts stain beautifully. Pressure-treated pine costs roughly 20 to 30 percent less upfront and handles moisture well. It can shrink slightly as it dries but it is an excellent fence for most Raleigh yards. We walk you through both options at the estimate so you can choose with confidence.
Dog-ear is the most popular wood privacy fence style in Raleigh. Board-on-board is a close second because it provides privacy from both sides. Shadowbox is popular in open lots where airflow is a concern. Vinyl privacy is the fastest growing option because it requires no maintenance after installation.
Yes. Old fence removal and off-site disposal is included in your quote. No surprise demo fees. We haul everything away. If you want to keep any salvageable posts or materials, just mention it at the estimate and we will set them aside for you.
Most decks in Wake County require a building permit. Any deck over 200 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade needs a permit and two inspections, one for the footings and one after completion. We pull the permit, submit the drawings, and attend both inspections as part of every deck build at no extra charge.
A well-built pressure-treated deck in Raleigh typically lasts 20 to 30 years with basic maintenance including sealing every 2 to 3 years. The framing and posts often last even longer. The biggest factor in lifespan is post quality and installation depth, both of which we get right the first time.
Composite decking costs 40 to 60 percent more per square foot installed but requires almost zero maintenance over its life. Pressure-treated wood is the more affordable choice upfront but needs sealing every 2 to 3 years and occasional board replacement. For homeowners who want the lowest total cost over 25 years and zero maintenance weekends, composite usually wins. We build both and will give you a side by side comparison at your estimate.
Most single-level pressure-treated deck builds are completed in 3 to 5 days once permits are approved. Composite decks typically take 4 to 6 days. Multi-level decks and covered porches can take 6 to 10 days depending on complexity. Permit approval usually takes 1 to 2 weeks in Wake County before we can begin.
Yes. We design and build covered porch additions and pergolas as part of a complete deck build or as a separate project on an existing deck. A covered porch requires its own permit and structural drawings in addition to the deck permit. We handle all of this as part of the project.
Any deck surface more than 30 inches above grade requires a code-compliant railing with a maximum 4 inch baluster spacing. Railing height must meet NC residential code for each deck elevation. We confirm railing requirements for your specific deck at the estimate and include all required railings in your written quote.
Composite decking is the top choice for pool surrounds in Raleigh. It stays cooler underfoot than wood in direct sun, resists pool chemicals and moisture, and never needs sealing. The surface stays slip-resistant when wet. We also use stainless hardware throughout pool deck builds to prevent corrosion from constant water exposure.
Straight answers about what fence and deck projects actually cost in Raleigh and what is included in every quote we give.
Wood privacy fences in Raleigh typically run $17 to $27 per linear foot installed for pressure-treated pine and $25 to $40 per linear foot for cedar. Vinyl fence runs $25 to $45 per linear foot. Aluminum fence runs $22 to $40. Chain link is the most affordable at $12 to $22 per linear foot. A typical 150-foot backyard fence costs $2,500 to $6,000 installed depending on material and height.
Pressure-treated decks in Raleigh typically run $28 to $45 per square foot installed for a single-level build. Composite decks run $45 to $65 per square foot for mid-range products like Trex Select and up to $90 per square foot for premium composite. Multi-level decks and covered porches cost more per square foot due to the additional structural complexity.
Everything. Our written quotes include all materials, all labor, permit fees where applicable, site cleanup, and the final walkthrough. We have never sent a homeowner a surprise invoice after the build started. If it is not in the quote, it is not in the project scope and we tell you that clearly before you make any decisions.
Post depth, concrete quality, hardware grade, and crew experience vary significantly between contractors. A low quote often means shallow posts, no concrete, lower-grade hardware, or a crew that is less experienced with NC soil conditions. These choices show up within a few years as leaning posts and sagging gates. We price for the build that lasts, not the lowest number.
No. We research and pull all required permits as part of every project. Permit fees are included in your written quote so you see the complete cost upfront. There are no separate permit invoices after the job is done.
Yes. We offer 0% APR financing for qualified applicants through our lending partners. Plans are available in 12, 24, and 60-month terms. No hard credit pull to check your options. Ask about financing when you request your free estimate.
In unincorporated Wake County most residential fences 6 feet and under do not require a permit. Within city limits the rules vary. Raleigh city requires permits for fences over 6 feet in residential zones. Cary and Apex have their own requirements. We research your specific address before every project and pull any required permits at no extra charge.
Any deck over 200 square feet or more than 30 inches above grade requires a building permit in Wake County. Decks attached to the house require a permit regardless of size. The permit process requires structural drawings, a footing inspection, and a final inspection after the build. We handle all of this.
Most Triangle area HOAs require you to submit an architectural change request before any fence installation. The submittal typically includes a site plan, fence style specification, and material samples. We help you prepare the submittal and can provide material samples and spec sheets. Most HOA approvals take 2 to 4 weeks.
Most Raleigh area HOAs approve white or tan vinyl privacy fence, black aluminum ornamental fence, wood privacy fence in natural or stained finish, and split rail or picket fence for front yards. Chain link and barbed wire are typically not allowed in residential HOA communities. We are familiar with most Triangle HOA requirements and can advise you before you submit.
Yes. We assist with HOA submittal preparation on every project where it is required. We provide the style photos, material specs, and installation details that most HOAs ask for. You submit the paperwork to your HOA directly and we start the build once you have approval in hand.
We start with a free on-site visit where we measure your property, walk through your options, and take notes on any site conditions that affect the build. You receive a detailed written quote within 24 to 48 hours after the visit. There is no pressure to move forward and no obligation to hire us after receiving the quote.
Most residential projects start within 1 to 2 weeks of quote approval depending on our current schedule and any permit lead time. Some weeks we can start sooner. We give you a realistic start date when you approve the quote so you can plan accordingly.
No. We never use subcontractors. The licensed team that gives you the estimate is the same crew that shows up to build your fence or deck. This is one of the things we are most serious about. Your quality should not depend on which subcontractor happened to be available that week.
When the build is complete, we walk every inch of the finished project with you. We check gate alignment, post plumb, board spacing, railing security, and any other detail you want to inspect. Any issue is fixed right then before we leave the property. Your workmanship warranty starts the moment you sign off.
Our workmanship warranty covers any defect in installation or craftsmanship. If a gate sags, a post leans, a board separates, or anything else fails due to how it was built, we come back and fix it at no charge. The warranty does not cover normal weathering, storm damage, or damage caused by third parties. Material warranties from manufacturers apply separately.
Everything you need to know about 0% financing for your fence or deck project in Raleigh.
We offer 0% APR financing through our lending partners for qualified applicants. Plans are available in 12-month, 24-month, and 60-month terms. The 60-month plan has the lowest monthly payment and is ideal for larger fence or deck projects. All plans carry 0% interest for qualified applicants.
No. The initial check to see your financing options is a soft pull only, which has zero impact on your credit score. A hard pull only happens if you choose to accept and finalize a financing plan. We let you know exactly when that happens.
The minimum project size for our 12 and 24-month plans is $1,000. For the 60-month plan the minimum is $2,500. Most residential fence and deck installs in the Triangle fall well within these ranges.
Yes. There are no prepayment penalties on any of our financing plans. You can pay off your balance in full at any time with no extra fees.
Just mention financing when you request your free estimate. We will walk you through the options at the estimate visit and you can apply online in minutes. Most applicants get a decision the same day.
Reach out any time. Our team answers every question before you commit to anything.
Call or text our team Monday through Saturday from 7:30am to 6pm. We pick up and we give you a real answer on the spot.
We come to your property, measure everything, and give you a written quote the same day. Free, no obligation, and no pressure to move forward.
Send us a message through our contact form and we will get back to you within one business day with a real answer to your question.
Free on-site estimate from a real Raleigh fence and deck crew. We measure your yard, walk through your options, and give you a written quote the same day with no obligation to move forward.
